In medical contexts, (or ASC-US) stands for Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance . It is the most common abnormal finding on a Pap test, indicating that the squamous cells lining the cervix look unusual under a microscope, but the cause is not immediately clear. Potential Causes
: Non-cancerous developments like cysts or polyps. Typical Next Steps In medical contexts, (or ASC-US) stands for Atypical
: Irritation from sexual activity, use of certain birth control methods (like a diaphragm), or general inflammation. Typical Next Steps : Irritation from sexual activity,
Because the significance is "undetermined," doctors typically follow one of these paths based on ASCCP guidelines : Definition of ASCUS - NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms Common causes for these cell changes include:
: Particularly low oestrogen levels in menopausal or postmenopausal women, which can cause atrophic changes in cervical tissue.
An ASCUS result does not automatically mean precancer or cancer is present. Common causes for these cell changes include:
